The San Bernardino Juror Portal is the official online platform managed by the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, allowing prospective jurors to manage jury service summons, check reporting instructions, request postponements, and update personal contact information securely online.
Understanding Jury Service Obligations in San Bernardino County
Receiving a jury summons is an essential civic duty mandated by California law. The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, serves one of the largest geographical jurisdictions in the United States, spanning thousands of square miles from mountain communities to desert cities. Because of this vast footprint, managing your service efficiently through the digital portal helps the court maintain an organized pool of prospective jurors while minimizing unnecessary travel and wait times.
Fulfilling your civic obligation begins the moment you receive your official summons in the mail. This document contains critical identifiers required to access the online system, including your unique Juror Badge Number, your PIN, and your ZIP code. Keeping this information confidential ensures secure access to your personal juror profile.
Core Functions Available on the Digital Portal
- Summons Response: Confirm your intent to serve or submit legally mandated qualification questionnaires.
- Deferral and Postponement Requests: Request a one-time rescheduling of your service date to a more manageable period.
- Excusal Submissions: Apply for statutory exemptions, such as medical hardships, undue financial burdens, or caregiver responsibilities.
- Reporting Status Checks: Verify whether you must physically report to a courthouse or if your service has been satisfied through the one-day or one-trial system.
- Certificate Generation: Print proof of attendance or service completion for employer records.
Step-by-Step Guide to Logging In and Using the Portal
Accessing the portal requires navigating to the official San Bernardino Superior Court website and locating the jury services division. To prevent phishing scams and fraudulent data collection, always ensure you are utilizing the official domain associated with the California courts system.
Initial Login Sequence
- Locate your printed jury summons form containing your multi-digit Juror Badge Number and PIN.
- Navigate to the official San Bernardino Superior Court Juror Portal web page.
- Enter your Juror Badge Number, the first three letters of your last name (capitalization usually does not matter, but check form guidelines), and your date of birth or ZIP code as prompted.
- Review the security verification screen and click submit to access your dashboard.
Once inside the portal, your primary dashboard will display your current status. If you have not yet completed your qualification questionnaire, the system will prompt you to do so before allowing you to request date changes or review reporting instructions. Answer all eligibility questions truthfully and accurately under penalty of perjury.
Managing Your Service: Postponements, Excuses, and Disqualifications
Life circumstances frequently interfere with assigned court dates. The San Bernardino Superior Court provides structured avenues for postponing or being excused from service, provided statutory requirements are met.
Comparison of Service Modification Options
| Modification Type | Request Window | Documentation Required | Frequency / Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postponement | At least 3–5 days prior to service date | None for initial request | Typically granted once per summons |
| Medical Excusal | Prior to or on reporting date | Signed physician statement if requested | As needed based on condition |
| Caregiver Excusal | Prior to reporting date | Statement detailing dependent care needs | Valid for current service cycle |
| Statutory Disqualification | Immediate upon receipt of summons | Proof of non-citizenship, felony record, or out-of-county residency | Permanent for current disqualifier |
When requesting a postponement through the portal, the system will typically offer a selection of available weeks within a 90-day window. Select a timeframe when your schedule is most flexible to avoid multiple conflicts. Note that failing to respond or failing to appear after a granted postponement can result in legal penalties, including contempt of court proceedings under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 209.
Courthouse Locations and Contact Information
San Bernardino County operates multiple court facilities across its extensive region. Your summons will designate a specific district courthouse to which you are assigned. Familiarizing yourself with these locations ensures you arrive on time if your reporting instructions mandate physical attendance.
Major Court Facilities Handling Jury Trials
- San Bernardino District (Civil and Criminal Divisions): 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415.
- Fontana District: 17780 Arrow Boulevard, Fontana, CA 92335.
- Joshua Tree District: 6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree, CA 92252.
- Barstow District: 235 East Mountain View Street, Barstow, CA 92311.
- Victorville District (Rancho Cucamonga / Victorville service areas): 14455 Civic Drive, Victorville, CA 92392.
Always check the portal the evening before your scheduled appearance. Many trials settle at the last minute, meaning your group number may be released from service without requiring physical travel to the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I lost my Juror Badge Number and PIN?
If you cannot locate your badge number or PIN, you must contact the San Bernardino Superior Court Jury Commissioner's office directly by phone during standard business hours. Staff members can verify your identity and provide your login credentials after confirming your personal details.
How does the one-day or one-trial system work in San Bernardino County?
The court operates under a system designed to limit service duration for most citizens. If you report to the courthouse and are not assigned to a courtroom by the end of your first day, or if you serve on a single trial to completion, your jury service obligation is fulfilled for at least 12 months.
Are employers required to pay employees during jury service?
California law prohibits employers from firing or harassing employees who are summoned for jury service. However, state law does not mandate that employers provide paid leave during this time, though many companies maintain internal policies offering paid jury leave. You can generate an attendance certificate via the portal for your employer's payroll department.
Can non-citizens serve on a jury in San Bernardino County?
No, United States citizenship is a strict legal requirement for jury service in California. If you are a non-citizen receiving a summons, you must log into the portal or return the questionnaire with proof of non-citizenship status to be permanently disqualified from the roster.
What happens if I completely ignore my jury summons?
Ignoring a jury summons is a violation of state law and can lead to a court-ordered hearing to show cause why you should not be held in contempt of court. Continued failure to respond may result in financial fines or other legal sanctions. It is always best to use the portal to resolve scheduling conflicts proactively.
How do I request accommodations for a disability?
The San Bernardino Superior Court complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can submit accommodation requests—such as assistive listening devices, wheelchair access, or reader services—directly through the portal questionnaire or by contacting the jury office well in advance of your reporting date.
Practical Recommendations for Prospective Jurors
Navigating jury service successfully requires diligence and prompt action. Always complete your digital questionnaire immediately upon receiving your summons to prevent missed deadlines. Monitor your email or recheck the portal frequently for updates regarding trial status changes, reporting time modifications, or weather-related closures affecting county facilities. Dress professionally, arrive early if physical reporting is required, and utilize the official San Bernardino Juror Portal as your primary source of truth for all service-related inquiries.
